Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.